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The most important question with any baby gate is where it will go. The makers here specify hardware mounting, screwed into the wall or banister, for the top of a staircase, and Summer offers its pressure mount for doorways and hallways. After that, match the opening width, the height and whether you want a walk-through door or a retractable mesh barrier.
Every specification on this page comes from the manufacturer’s own product page, checked on 26 October 2026. We have not used these products ourselves, so the picks are based on published specifications only.
Start with our toddler home safety checklist and toddler-proofing room by room, and see childproofing products explained.
How we chose these
- Opening widths and gate height published, including how baseboards and banisters change the fit.
- Mounting type stated, and whether the maker says it can be used at the top of stairs.
- Child age range or certification given by the maker where available.
Always install a gate exactly as its manual says. Regalo lists its Top of Stairs gate for children 6 to 24 months; check each maker’s age range.
Comparison table
| Gate | Fits openings | Height | Mounting | Top of stairs? | Door |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Regalo Top of Stairs | 28 to 42 in between walls (varies with baseboards and banisters) | 30.5 in | Hardware, universal banister-mount kit | Yes (top or bottom) | Swing door; must swing away from stairs |
| Regalo Retractable | Up to 50 in | 30 in | Hardware | Not stated in description | Retractable PVC mesh |
| Summer Everywhere Extra Wide | 28.75 to 39.75 in | 30 in | Pressure (doorways) or hardware (stairs) | Yes, with included hardware | 19.5 in walk-through door with door stopper |
| Evenflo Walk-Thru Top of Stairs | 30 to 48 in | 32 in | Hardware | Yes (designed for it) | Walk-thru, no floor bar, opens both directions |
| Summer Tuck Away Retractable | Up to 56 in | 30 in | Hardware kit included | Not stated in description | Retractable mesh with bottom safety strip |
Fit ranges are the makers’ figures; baseboards, banisters and mounting parts can change them. 6 Best Baby Proofing Oven Picks: 6 Compared for Toddler Safety (2026) goes further into this.
1. Regalo Top of Stairs Baby Gate (Model 1230): for most staircases
Regalo’s Top of Stairs gate comes with a universal banister-mount kit that Regalo says fits 99% of stairways, and it works at the top or bottom of stairs. Regalo lists the fit for each mounting case: 28 to 42 inches between two walls without baseboards, up to 43.5 inches with baseboards, and 28.5 to 42 inches between two banister posts.
- Made for children 6 to 24 months; certified by the Baby Safety Alliance and meets ASTM safety standards, per Regalo.
- Regalo states the gate must swing away from the stairs when opening.
Pros: banister kit included; detailed fit table; certification stated.
Cons: narrowest maximum width here.
2. Regalo Retractable Baby Gate (Model 1850 G): for a gate that disappears when open
Regalo’s retractable gate is a PVC mesh barrier that pulls across the opening and hooks into mounting hardware, then rolls away when not in use. It can be installed inside the opening or on the outside of it. A turn-to-lock cap secures it, and an indicator window shows whether it is locked.
- Regalo’s description does not say whether it is meant for the top of stairs; check the manual before using it there.
Pros: covers wide openings; out of the way when open; lock indicator.
Cons: top-of-stairs use not stated in Regalo’s description.
3. Summer Everywhere Extra Wide Walk-Thru Gate: for doorways now and stairs later
This metal gate installs two ways: a no-drill pressure mount with adhesive wall cups for doorways and hallways, or the included hardware kit for the top of stairs. Its 19.5-inch walk-through door opens with one hand, and a door stopper helps stop the door swinging out over the stairs. Worth reading next: 5 Best Toilet Locks for Baby Proofing: Expert Picks Compared.
- Summer recommends a drill, Phillips screwdriver, pencil and tape measure for the hardware install.
Pros: two mounting options in one box; wide door; door stopper for stairs.
Cons: Summer specifies the hardware kit, not the pressure mount, for stairs.
4. Evenflo Walk-Thru Top of Stairs Baby Gate: for wide stair openings with no floor bar
Evenflo designed this wood gate specifically for the top of stairs. It slides to fit openings of 30 to 48 inches and has no floor bar, so there is nothing to trip over in the doorway. The one-hand latch is meant to be easy for adults and to help prevent unsupervised child use.
- Opens in both directions, per Evenflo; follow the manual on door swing direction at stairs.
Pros: widest fixed gate here; no trip bar; made for stairs.
Cons: only one finish listed; check availability.
5. Summer by Ingenuity Tuck Away Retractable Extra Wide Gate: for the widest openings
The Tuck Away is a retractable mesh gate for doorways and hallways up to 56 inches wide, the widest here. A safety strip along the bottom of the mesh helps stop a child sliding under, and when not in use the mesh rolls into its holder. It installs with the included hardware kit.
- Summer’s description lists doorways and hallways; it does not mention stairs.
Pros: widest opening here; see-through mesh; hides away.
Cons: stair use not stated; mesh gates have no walk-through door.
Which one fits you
| Where | Look at | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Top of a standard staircase | Regalo Top of Stairs or Evenflo Walk-Thru Top of Stairs | Hardware mounted and designed for stairs |
| Doorway now, stairs later | Summer Everywhere Extra Wide | Pressure or hardware mounting |
| Wide hallway or open plan | Summer Tuck Away or Regalo Retractable | Up to 56 and 50 in |
| No trip bar in a busy doorway | Evenflo Walk-Thru Top of Stairs | No floor bar |
Practical tips
- Note baseboards and banisters when you measure; Regalo’s fit table shows how much they change the usable range.
- At the top of stairs, use hardware mounting only and set the door to swing as the manual requires.
Sources
Specifications from each manufacturer’s product page, checked 26 October 2026: Regalo Top of Stairs Baby Gate (Model 1230), Regalo Retractable Baby Gate (Model 1850 G), Summer Everywhere Extra Wide Walk-Thru Gate, Evenflo Walk-Thru Top of Stairs Baby Gate, Summer by Ingenuity Tuck Away Retractable Extra Wide Gate. Makers can change specifications; check the product page before you buy.
About Lauren Holland
Lauren Holland is part of our editorial team and reviews and edits our childproofing guides, checking product details against manufacturer specifications and owner feedback.
